Hand sanitizer gel has become a crucial item in our daily lives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The active ingredient in hand sanitizer gel is typically alcohol, which is effective in killing bacteria and viruses on the hands. However, to make a gel formulation, a thickening agent is needed to create a stable gel-like consistency. Carbomer is a commonly used thickening agent in hand sanitizer gel formulations, but it can be difficult to source and has seen price increases due to the pandemic. In this article, we will discuss how to make hand sanitizer gel using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) as a replacement for carbomer.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a cellulose derivative that has a wide range of applications, including as a thickener, binder, and emulsifier. HPMC is a water-soluble polymer that can thicken water-based formulations, making it a suitable alternative to carbomer in hand sanitizer gel formulations. HPMC is also readily available and more cost-effective than carbomer, making it an attractive alternative for manufacturers.
To make hand sanitizer gel using HPMC, the following ingredients and equipment are needed:
Ingredients:
Equipment:
Step 1: Measure the Ingredients Measure the following ingredients:
For example, if you want to make 100ml of hand sanitizer gel, you would need to measure out:
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Mix the isopropyl alcohol (or ethanol), hydrogen peroxide, and glycerin together in a mixing bowl. Stir the mixture until it is well combined.
Step 3: Add HPMC Slowly add the HPMC to the mixture while stirring continuously. It is important to add the HPMC slowly to avoid clumping. Continue stirring until the HPMC is completely dispersed and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Add Water Add distilled water to the mixture while stirring continuously. Continue stirring until the mixture is well combined.
Step 5: Check pH Check the pH of the mixture using a pH meter. The pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0. If the pH is too low, add a small amount of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to adjust the pH.
Step 6: Mix Again Stir the mixture again to ensure all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 7: Transfer to a Container Transfer the hand sanitizer gel to a container for storage.
The resulting hand sanitizer gel should have a smooth, gel-like consistency that is easy to apply to the hands. The HPMC acts as a thickener and creates a stable gel-like consistency, similar to carbomer. The resulting hand sanitizer gel should be effective in killing bacteria and viruses on the hands, just like commercially available hand sanitizer gels.
manufacturing practices (GMP) are a set of guidelines and principles that ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products, including hand sanitizer gel. These guidelines cover various aspects of the manufacturing process, including personnel, premises, equipment, documentation, production, quality control, and distribution.
When manufacturing hand sanitizer gel using HPMC or any other thickening agent, it is important to follow GMP guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of the product. Some key GMP guidelines that should be followed when manufacturing hand sanitizer gel include:
By following these GMP guidelines, manufacturers can ensure that their hand sanitizer gel products are of high quality and safe for use. These guidelines also help to ensure consistency and reliability in the manufacturing process, which is essential for meeting the growing demand for hand sanitizer gel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) can be used as a replacement for carbomer in hand sanitizer gel formulations. HPMC is a cost-effective and readily available alternative that can provide similar thickening properties to carbomer. When manufacturing hand sanitizer gel using HPMC, it is important to follow GMP guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of the product. By following these guidelines, manufacturers can produce hand sanitizer gel that is effective in killing bacteria and viruses on the hands, while also ensuring the safety of the end user.